Maldives

A brief guide to Maldives islands

If you are attracted to exotic travel destinations, where you can enjoy serenity and peace, far away from noisy, highly populated centres, then you will find the Maldives Islands an ideal travel destination for you. The Islands of Maldives, set in Indian Ocean, have become one of the most exclusive exotic travel destinations in the recent years.

Maldives islands holiday scene

Introduction To The Maldives

Heavenly turquoise blue waters, lush tropical islands and Robinson Crusoe type isolation – these are just some of the images that come to mind when we think about travelling to the Maldives. In this article you’ll discover a new world altogether – a beautiful world beyond the imagination of most people. A world where you can be one of a small handful of people that have an island all to themselves. This world is called The Maldives. And this article will tell you everything you need to know about these tiny palm-fringed islands.

Location Of The Maldives

The Maldives are a group of tiny islands that are set in the Indian Ocean – the closest countries to the Maldives are India and Sri Lanka. There are approximately 1200 separate islands in the Maldives and only about one sixth of these are populated. The capital of the Maldives is Male – the most densely inhabited island. But while Male, it seems, is simply bursting from the seams, there certainly are no space problems on the other islands. Male holds about a third of the Maldivian population while the remaining are scattered around various other islands of the Maldives.

This is an introductory 5-minute video to Maldives, by the Maldives Tourist Promotion Board

A Brief History Of The Maldives

While there are no certain facts it is estimated that the Maldives have been populated as early as 1500 BC, most likely explorers from India and Sri Lanaka (Ceylon). During 1152 there was a conversion to islam although there was a brief period from 1558 to 1573 when the Maldives was taken over and ruled by the Portugese. The islands were also under the rule of the British in 1887. In 1965 the Maldives regained its independent status.

Flora and Fauna in the Maldives Islands

Contrary to the first impressions of many, the Maldives islands are not especially hospitable to plants, mainly because the soil does not have the nutrients to support a large and varied diversity of plant life. The main type of vegetation include coconut trees, vines, banyan trees as well as mangroves. Also found are Breadfruit trees and Bamboos. Flowering plants include Bougainvillaea and Frangipani.

The Maldives islands have an incredible number of colourful, tropical fish and when you visit you’re bound to see many of them. A few of these include Butterfly fish, Dolphins, Anglefish, Parrotfish and Flutemouth. The colours and shapes of some of these fish are as varied and intriguing as their names would suggest. Divers are sure to have an experience of a lifetime in the Maldives.

Thonis (wooden rafts) in Maldives - photo by Muthu Krishnan

While there are a healthy variety of birds inhabiting the islands, there are fewer varieties of land based animals. Common to the islands are flying foxes, geckos and garden lizards. There are also a couple of species of snake (not dangerous).

Maldives are a haven for birdwatchers! There are over 100 species of birds – expect to see crows, parakeets, and waterhens as well as koel birds. Also present are herons, seagulls and noddys.

The Maldives traveller type

The Maldives is a wonderful destination for a wide variety of travellers – from those seeking complete bliss and Robinson Crusoe type peace and quiet (in an absolutely idyllic surrounding), to beach lovers and diving enthusiasts to honeymooners and romantic couples looking for some enchanting memories in one of the most beautiful places in the world. With a wide variety of resorts to choose from it’s important to research the facilities in a wide range of resorts to make sure that you get whatever it is you’re looking for. For example, some Maldives resorts may suit more active travellers while others would be more suited to those looking for a quiet and peaceful stay.

The Maldives Exclusivity

In order to preserve Maldives exclusivity and limit building growth, the Maldives islands authorities have laid down building guidelines to prevent uncontrolled growth. What makes Maldives exclusive is:

1. In 2006 five new 6-star hotels have opened in the Maldives.
2. Only the best hotels can get permit to build on Maldives islands.
3. The Maldives is one of the rare travel destinations where luxury is guaranteed by the law.
4. Out of over 1,000 Maldives islands, only 200 of those islands are populated.

How To Get To The Maldives

Almost all visitors get to the Maldives via plane – typically, they arrive in Male, the capital from their port of departure and from there will be transferred to their resort. Transfers are usually via seaplane or speedboat. Given the stunning scenery it’s always advisable to arrive by seaplane where possible – the views of the islands from the air are nothing short of spectacular. When researching Maldives resorts and prices it’s worth remembering that some packages will be quoted with transfers built into the price while others will not. Please keep in mind that transfers can be quite pricey.

Some resorts are located quite close to the airport in Male – transfer times can be under 20 minutes while other Maldives resorts further away may take an hour or even two to reach depending on the type of transfer. Keep in mind that after travelling a long distance on a flight, the last thing that you’ll want to do is spend a further couple of hours on a speedboat. Where possible, choose an early flight, to allow yourself enough time for speedboat transfer.

If your transfer is not via seaplane it is possible to ride in a seaplane during your stay – and get some stunning photos of the Maldives islands and atolls from high above.

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Maldives Articles

• Guide to Maldives - Before you travel to the Maldives there are things that you should know, just like going to any other travel destination: do you need visa, do they accept credit cards, about drinking water, vaccinations, etc.
• Maldives Attractions - With almost 1,200 islands and atolls dotting the Maldives area, with white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters, you'll find many outdoor attractions in this great tropical paradise. Diving and snorkeling is metres away in just about any location, while boat rentals, yachts, kayaks and canoes will help you explore the blue waters.
• Maldives Island Hopping - Whether you enjoy a family getaway, a romantic vacation, or an adventure in paradise, you will find island hopping in the Maldives an amazing way to spend your holiday in the Maldives islands.
• Maldives Resorts - The Maldives offer some of the most pristine and beautiful places in the world. The Maldives government has taken steps to ensure that this natural beauty remains unspoiled, while fostering tourism and travel. In accordance with this, the resorts in Maldives offer splendid accommodation with unspoiled views.
• Maldives Hotels - As one of the top travel destinations in the world, Maldives islands have much to offer. Whether you taking a romantic trip or bringing the whole family with you, hotels in Maldives will provide great accommodation for you. Many of the hotels feature private bungalows, with a lot of extras that one would expect of hotels.
• Hotels in Maldives - The islands of Maldives have numerous hotels and resorts scattered across the nearly twelve hundred islands. You will find tons of great places to stay on your Maldives adventure. Conrad Maldives, Full Moon Beach, and Hulhule Island Hotel all offer luxury hotel accommodation.
• Hotels in Maldives 2 - If you're looking for easy access to the airport, Huvafenfushi Hotel in North Male Atoll is a 30-minute boat ride from the airport. For secluded location, choose Cocoa Island Hotel on the South Male Atoll, while Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is overlooking the incredible azure waters lagoon. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu resort on the Baa Atoll is one of the most secluded spots in the Maldives.
• Maldives Hotels 2 - At many of the hotels in Maldives guests can choose from a suite, a bungalow, or a water bungalow. Personal preferences, as well as budgets, will determine where you want to stay. The Four Season Hotels in Maldives offer their guests many exceptional services and a lot of water activities.
• Island Resorts - If you're taking your family to the Maldives on a holiday vacation, there are number of Maldives resorts that cater for the whole family. These island resorts offer activities and facilities exclusively for children and families. We recommend several island resorts ideal for family holidays.
• Resorts Activities - All Maldives resorts are little different from each other. But they all offer a number of resort activities to keep you entertained during your stay. These include water based activities like diving and snorkeling, but many resorts also have health and spa clubs, where you can enjoy pure relaxation and a variety of special treatments.